Ang Alibangbang

from Tatlong Awiting Pambata (Three Philippine Children’s Songs)

SATB div. a cappella
2:15 approx.

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Ang Alibangbang (The Butterfly) is a traditional children’s song from the Visayan region of the Philippines. It is one out of three pieces in Tatlong Awiting Pambata (Three Philippine Children’s Songs). The other two are Ako Ay May Lobo (I Have a Balloon) and Dindikan.

Tatlong Awiiting Pambata was commissioned by Anna Abeleda-Piquero for the University of Visayas Chorale.

ANG ALIBANGBANG (The Butterfly)
Trad. Philippine folk

Ang alibangbang naglupad-lupad
Sa manga dalan nagliki-liki,
Sukla ang saya, bordado ang naguas,
Uray ang baliug sa bayong de Pariz.

Kag sa pi-nong sang husay nga moda,
Kulung ang buhoc liston nga pula,
Kon tolok-tolokon mo’y kulbaan ka,
Abi mo kon sino nga mariposa. 

~~~

The butterfly flies to and fro
On the street gaily flitting along
Silk skirts finely embroidered
With sleeves and kerchiefs in Parisian style.  

Fashioned in the latest mode
Hair curled with red ribbon
You will be amazed as you gaze
At these girls flitting by like butterflies.